Top 20 Lakes around Tilburg
Best lakes around Tilburg are found in a region characterized by diverse natural landscapes, including extensive forests, fens, and recreational lakes. This area offers a variety of aquatic destinations, from serene nature reserves to active family-friendly spots. The landscape provides opportunities for nature observation, walking, and water-based activities. Tilburg's surroundings are known for their varied ecosystems and well-maintained outdoor spaces.
Best lakes around Tilburg
- The most popular lakes is Voorste Goorven, a lake known for its rich flora and fauna. This pond in the Oisterwijk woods is a location for experiencing sunrises and observing various bird species.
- Another must-see spot is Kampina Nature Reserve, an area featuring wet heathland with fens, thickets, meadows, and forests. This reserve is known for its varied landscape and diverse wildlife, including wild horses.
- Visitors also love Palingven, a picturesque small fen surrounded by trees and featuring a small sand beach. It is one of many pools in the Kampina area.
- Tilburg is known for its serene fens, clear-water swimming lakes, and family-friendly recreational areas. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different outdoor interests.
- The lakes around Tilburg are appreciated by the komoot community. The area has received more than 1000 upvotes and over 240 photos from visitors.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Voorste Goorven
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This pond in the Oisterwijk woods is a feast for the eyes with flora and fauna. Flocks of ducks, geese, and other birds all have their own little spot.
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Achterste Goorven
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Kampina Nature Reserve
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Palingven
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful place. Unfortunately we had grey weather and we will definitely come back again with a bit of beautiful blue sky.
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Beautiful path through a forest area with fens.
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Het Goorven is the most photographed fen. No other fen offers more enjoyment of the morning or evening sun and beautiful colours! The fen owes its name to the old word for swamp, namely goor. Peat used to be cut around this fen. This was a dirty job and everyone could see when you had spent a day 'in het goor'. And did you know that the pine trees around this fen used to be cut for the mining industry in Limburg? They were used to prop up the mine shafts. Pine wood cracks before it breaks. This gave the miners time to escape when a shaft was about to collapse.
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14 fen route passes here, highly recommended!
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In this area you can find a number of beautiful fens.
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View of the Heiven. One of many friends here.
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As a result of the varied landscapes, there are many different types of animals. Think of beavers, pine martens, Icelandic horses, kingfishers, cows, spoonbills and deer. In addition, the animals provide a particularly rich flora and fauna, which makes this area beautiful in the spring and in the late summer you can enjoy a beautiful purplish heath.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes around Tilburg?
Yes, several lakes in the Tilburg region are excellent for families. Voorste Goorven and Achterste Goorven in the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen are great for nature walks. For more active fun, Speelland Beekse Bergen (Lake Victoria) offers a sandy beach, water slides, pedal cars, and playgrounds. Staalbergven in Oisterwijk also provides a swimming pool, playgrounds, and canoeing. De Rauwbraken in Berkel-Enschot is another ideal family spot with a sandy beach, diving board, and playground.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes around Tilburg are set within diverse natural landscapes. You'll find extensive forests, fens, and heathlands. Areas like Voorste Goorven and Achterste Goorven are known for their rich flora and fauna, including various bird species. Kampina Nature Reserve features wet heathland, fens, thickets, and meadows, home to wildlife like wild horses, beavers, and kingfishers. The Loonse en Drunense Duinen, near Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond, is one of Western Europe's largest drifting sand areas.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling through the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen or the extensive paths of Kampina Nature Reserve. For more structured activities, there are numerous road cycling routes, mountain biking trails, and running trails available. You can explore options like the 'Tour of the Kempen and the Kampina' for road cycling, 'Regte Heide Burial Mounds' for mountain biking, or 'Through Oisterwijk and the Kampina' for running. Find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes around Tilburg, MTB Trails around Tilburg, and Running Trails around Tilburg guides.
Are there good places for swimming near Tilburg?
Yes, there are several excellent swimming spots. Speelland Beekse Bergen (Lake Victoria) offers a large sandy beach and water slides. Staalbergven in Oisterwijk combines a small lake with a swimming pool. 't Zand in Alphen features a natural swimming pond. De Rauwbraken in Berkel-Enschot is a natural swimming area with clear water and a sandy beach, complete with facilities. IJzeren Man in Vught is also popular for its clear water and beach area.
Which lakes are best for nature observation and wildlife spotting?
For nature observation, Voorste Goorven and Achterste Goorven in the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen are highly recommended for their diverse plant life and bird species. Kampina Nature Reserve is particularly rich in wildlife, including beavers, pine martens, wild horses, kingfishers, and deer, making it a prime destination for spotting animals.
Are there any lakes with unique features or historical significance?
Het Blauwe Meer in Loon op Zand is known for its strikingly clear, blue water, partly due to white sand and its depth, making it unique for diving. IJzeren Man in Vught has historical significance, as it was created around 1890 through sand extraction. Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond was historically used by locals for ice skating.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Tilburg?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for swimming and water activities at spots like 't Zand or Speelland Beekse Bergen. Autumn and winter offer beautiful scenery for walks, especially at 't Zand. The heathlands in Kampina Nature Reserve bloom vibrantly in August and September, offering stunning views. Winter also turns IJzeren Man into a popular ice skating spot.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, several recreational areas and nature reserves have facilities. Staalbergven in Oisterwijk features a cafe for refreshments. De Rauwbraken in Berkel-Enschot has a beach bar. IJzeren Man in Vught includes a beach house that hosts events. The wider Loonse en Drunense Duinen area, near Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond, also offers various opportunities for a well-kept and cozy stop.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Tilburg?
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the fens and forests, with many appreciating the diverse landscapes and opportunities for peaceful walks. The Oisterwijkse fens, including Achterste Goorven, are praised for their atmospheric quality and quiet spots to enjoy nature. The varied scenery and abundant wildlife in areas like Kampina Nature Reserve are also highly valued.
Are there any lakes suitable for diving?
Het Blauwe Meer in Loon op Zand is known for its crystal-clear, deep blue water and is a unique location that attracts visitors for diving opportunities.
Can I find accessible trails around the lakes?
While specific details for all lakes vary, Kampina Nature Reserve is noted for having extensive walking and cycling paths, some of which are wheelchair accessible, allowing a broader range of visitors to enjoy its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
What are some good viewpoints around the lakes?
Many fens offer picturesque viewpoints. Voorste Goorven is particularly noted for stunning sunrises. The Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen, including Achterste Goorven, provide numerous vistas and benches where you can relax and enjoy the pools and surrounding nature.
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